North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The Grounds is beginning a new phase of connectivity improvements aimed at making the 100-acre development safer and more walkable for residents, visitors, and the broader Winston-Salem community.
In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NcDOT), developers will re-engineer the intersection at University Parkway and North Cherry Street. The project will replace a complex roadway with a single, signalized intersection designed to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Construction will begin in early March with intermittent lane closures, but the intersection will remain open. Work is expected to be completed this summer.
“This is intentional master planning at its best, all about building stronger, safer connections,” said Coleman Team, president and managing partner of Front Street Capital, a development partner on The Grounds. “From the very beginning, The Grounds has been designed to better connect Wake Forest University, surrounding neighborhoods, and the broader Winston-Salem community. These updates are visible proof of that commitment.”
Currently, North Cherry Street splits from University Parkway in a one-way northbound lane about a tenth of a mile before the traffic signal with University Parkway and southbound Cherry Street, creating fast-moving and confusing traffic patterns.
The redesign will move the northbound lane adjacent to the southbound lane, with a clearly marked pedestrian crosswalk and a dedicated pedestrian signal phase. The change will slow traffic, improve visibility, and expand space for greenways and multi-use paths.
“The University’s commitment to prioritizing all modes of transportation resulted in a dedicated signal phase for this multi-modal connection, high-visibility crosswalks, and pedestrian-activated signals,” said Nathan Rhomberg, civil engineer with Kimley-Horn, which is leading the intersection redesign. “The project was developed with the city and NCDOT to enhance safety, visibility and efficiency for all users.”
The intersection work is part of a broader effort to create seamless pedestrian connectivity throughout The Grounds and surrounding areas.
Key features include:
- Pathways and sidewalks: A multi-use path will connect The Grounds across University Parkway to a new gated pedestrian entry at Wake Forest University. A five- to six-foot sidewalk along the new northbound Cherry Street will link to Reynolds Boulevard and Whitaker Park.
- Silas Creek restoration and bridge: Streambank restoration will create a one-mile trail loop with bike-friendly paths, benches, and open gathering areas. A pedestrian bridge will link residential, retail, and greenway spaces.
- Retail village access and parking: The future Retail & Dining Village will feature multiple access points, integrated parking, and a new cul-de-sac drop-off area, Deacon Crossing.
“Connectivity is about more than roads,” Team said. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe walking, gathering, and moving naturally between campus, events, and everyday life.”
Improvements support the multi-phase development of The Grounds, scheduled for partial delivery in fall 2027. Phase I will include:
- $50 million in infrastructure, including a $35 million state grant
- 42,000 square feet of experiential retail, breaking ground this summer
- 130,000 square feet of office space anchored by Wake Forest University, under construction
- 229-unit student apartment community, Creekside at The Grounds, under construction
- 22 condominiums above the Retail Village, breaking ground this summer
“With each improvement, we get closer to creating a year-round gathering place that feels welcoming, connected, and distinctly Winston-Salem,” Team said.